2009 General Election
Welcome! From early October until November 3, 2009, you have the opportunity to vote by mail on two important issues affecting the future of Surprise.
General Obligation Bond question
The City of Surprise is asking residents to decide whether the city should issue General Obligation Bonds to fund public improvement projects.
Registered voters in the city of Surprise will be asked whether to authorize the city to incur General Obligation Bond debt not to exceed $184,900,000 to fund civic improvements over a maximum time period of 40 years in the following categories:
| Transportation | $156,630,000 |
| Economic Development | $11,000,000 |
| Public Safety | $10,610,000 |
| Parks and Recreation | $6,660,000 |
For Visit the G.O. Bond web site for more information.
www.surpriseaz.com/bond2009
General Plan 2030 question
The City of Surprise is asking residents to decide whether to adopt General Plan 2030, a state-mandated update of the city's General Plan.
Registered voters in the city of Surprise will be asked whether to adopt the City of Surprise General Plan 2030 Update as approved by the Surprise Mayor and City Council.
A general plan is a comprehensive, long-range plan for the development of a city. The plan contains goals and general policy statements for the physical development of the city. The plan provides the foundation for decision-making for both private development projects and public capital expenditures.
State law (Revised Statutes (ARS) section 9-461.05) requires municipalities in Arizona to develop a general plan. The general plan must have sections that consider growth, land use, redevelopment, housing, transportation, cost of development, public buildings, recreation and open space, environmental planning, conservation and water resources.
To view the General Plan 2030 click here (14mb PDF)
What is a General Plan?
A general plan is a comprehensive, long-range plan for the development of a city. The plan contains goals and general policy statements for the physical development of the city. The plan provides the foundation for decision-making for both private development projects and public capital expenditures.
Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) section 9-461.05 requires municipalities in Arizona to develop a general plan. The general plan must have sections that consider growth, land use, redevelopment, housing, transportation, cost of development, public buildings, recreation and open space, environmental planning, conservation and water resources.
Why was the plan updated?
Ten years ago, when the last plan was conceived, the population of the City of Surprise was approximately 30,000. Today, the city population is approximately 110,000 people. ARS section 9-461.05 requires that cities with a population greater than 50,000 address more topics than smaller cities. The updated plan is necessary to address these additional requirements.
What was updated in the Surprise General Plan 2030?
Community design, education and the arts are addressed in the new plan. Sustainability plays a much greater role in the policy statements. The concept of building heritage to value the importance of our historical legacy and natural environment was added to the plan. There is an increased emphasis on the neighborhoods. A village concept was also added to the plan.
How often do the voters get to vote on the plan?
The city is required by ARS section 9-461.06 to send the General Plan to the voters every ten years. The last plan was ratified by the voters on March 13, 2000. The ten-year cycle ends in March of 2010.
Was there any community input in the development of the plan?
The City of Surprise held over 30 public meetings, in addition to the broad dissemination of the plan required by Arizona Revised Statutes section 9-461.06. Comments were received in written and web based forms from residents, property owners, neighboring cities, and partnering agencies. Additionally two public hearings were held by the Planning and Zoning Commission as well as a public hearing held by the Mayor and City Council before adopting the plan.
Will the implementation of the Plan increase taxes?
No, it will not increase taxes.
What happens if the voters fail to approve the Plan?
General Plan 2020 will remain effect until a new plan can be developed, adopted by the Mayor and City Council, and ratified by the voters.
If approved, when will the Plan take effect?
The Plan takes effect after the official certification of the votes.
Where can I get more information?
Questions or comments can be made by calling Community Development staff at 623.222.3133 or emailing . If you prefer to use the US Mail Service, the address is:
Community Development Department
Planning and Zoning Division
16000 N. Civic Center Plaza
Surprise, Arizona 85374-7470
Voter Information
October 1: Mail ballots begin being delivered to Surprise registered voters.
October 5: Voter Registration Deadline for Nov. 3, 2009 election.
November 3: Deadline for returning completed ballots.
- How do I register to vote?
Voters must be registered by October 5, 2009. You may register online at www.servicearizona.com or stop by the Surprise Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 16000 N. Civic Center Drive. - Will I receive a ballot by mail?
Every registered voter in Surprise will receive a city ballot by mail as the standard procedure for city elections in Surprise. Ballots will begin being delivered on October 1. - Where can I drop off my completed ballot?
If you choose not to mail your completed ballot, or need a replacement ballot, go to the City Clerk’s Office at Surprise City Hall, 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza, beginning Oct. 1, 2009 – Election Day, November 3, 2009. - Where do I go for more information about the voting process?
For more election information, contact the Surprise City Clerks’ office at 623.222.1000 or visit the City Clerk site under “City Departments” at www.surpriseaz.com, or contact the Maricopa County Elections Department at 602.506.1511 or online at www.recorder.maricopa.gov.
